KEY POINTS
- INEC to issue Aiyedatiwa certificates Wednesday.
- SDP alleges voter intimidation, demands election cancellation.
- APC defends poll, lauds election as credible.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to present the Certificate of Return to Ondo State Governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy on Wednesday, following his victory in the recent gubernatorial election.
Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious with 366,781 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Agboola Ajayi, who secured 117,845 votes. The certificates will be issued at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, according to Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman.
Opposition challenges election results
According to the Guardian, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has rejected the election results, alleging widespread irregularities, harassment of agents, voter intimidation, and vote-buying. Speaking in Akure on Monday, Gbenga Akinbuli, the Ondo SDP Chairman, described the election as a “shame on democracy” and called for its cancellation.
“Our agents faced intimidation at polling units, and voters were scared for their lives. Less than 600,000 voters turned out from over two million registered. This election was a buyer-and-seller competition,” Akinbuli stated. The party’s legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the results in court.
SDP candidate Bamidele Akingboye, who garnered 438 votes, echoed these concerns, citing irregularities and personal threats during the voting process. “Saturday was supposed to be a day of liberation for Ondo State, but instead, it was marred by malpractice,” Akingboye lamented.
APC defends election integrity
The APC has dismissed the allegations as baseless. Steve Otaloro, Director of Media and Publicity for the Ondo APC, described the election as the most credible in the state’s recent history, citing commendations from local and international observers, including YIAGA Africa.
“The people of Ondo State have spoken, re-electing Governor Aiyedatiwa with an overwhelming mandate. We encourage opposition parties to seek redress through the tribunal rather than undermining this credible process,” Otaloro said.
Aiyedatiwa’s victory and path forward
Governor-elect Aiyedatiwa’s re-election underscores the APC’s continued dominance in Ondo State. As he prepares to receive his Certificate of Return, his administration faces expectations to address the grievances raised by the opposition and ensure inclusivity in governance.
Meanwhile, INEC’s conduct in the election has drawn mixed reactions, with calls for further improvements to Nigeria’s electoral processes to bolster public confidence in future polls.
